Queensland's Cane Trains - Victoria Mill Part 3

Queensland has a fascinating network of sugar cane railways stretching from Bundaberg in the South through to Mossman in the North. 17 sugar mills have railway networks with over 4000km of track across the state. All the mills use 2ft gauge track, except for Pioneer Mill which uses 3ft 6in gauge track.
Locomotives are diesel hydraulic, with ages ranging from 70 years old to brand new (2023 built). Some locomotives have been converted from former Queensland Rail 3ft 6in DH class, or New South Wales Government Railways 4ft 8 1/2in 47 class.
Wagons are unbraked and some trains operate with a remote controlled brake van at the rear of the train to provide additional braking force. Trains can be up to 1km long, consisting of up to 200 wagons with a weight of approximately 1000 tons.
Some trains require two crew members however many locomotives have been converted to driver only operating and can be switched to remote control operation for shunting.
This video contains footage taken in August 2023 of Victoria Mill near Ingham. Victoria Mill is owned by Wilmar Sugar and shares a rail network with Macknade Mill. A unique feature of both these mills is the operation of 2ft gauge bulk raw sugar trains between the mills and the sugar terminal at Lucinda.
Victoria Mill operates a mix of Clyde, Baldwin and Walkers locomotives. Locomotive ages range from the 1960's to brand new (2023).
Trains in this video are as follows:
1. A cross at Tobanna with an unidentified locomotive and brake van in the loop with loaded bins. 'Jourama' (ex NSWGR 7347, rebuilt for cane haulage) and brake van bring a rake of empties through the loop. Note the trailable points which automatically reset for the left hand loop track once the train clears.
2. Various shots of 'Maitland' (1977 Baldwin locomotive) dropping off empty bins at Morelli Siding on the Abergowie Line.
3. 'Maitland' departs Morelli siding after detaching some empty bins.
4. 'Maitland' and train cross Abergowie Road in Long Pocket, heading for the end of the line at Abergowie.
5. 'Maitland' and brake van continue towards the end of the line, running beside Abergowie Rd.
6. 'MKD 19' (1977 Baldwin locomotive) shunts at Gum Park junction.

[@FishplateFilms]

Some lovely scenes in this one Sir! They run some long rakes at this Mill!
Thanks for sharing.
Gregg 🙂

[@NR54trailerail]

Thanks Gregg!